Night Out at Gig For Gaza

It was 5.15pm sharp, when me and two of my friends stepped through the door on the ground floor of The Workmans Club in Dublin. It wasn't my first time at Workmans (I think you could leave me anywhere in the streets of Dublin and I would find my way back there). Still, there was one thing I was especially excited about: Therapy Horse.

Not only was this my first actual gig at Workmans, but I’ve been following Therapy Horse for quite some time now and I was very eager to see what they would sound like in a live setting. And not only that: We were going to see three more bands on the downstairs stage.

The gigs were all part of an evening put on by Spitball Promotions. As the name Gig For Gaza suggests, it was a pro-Palestine event. All the proceeds were donated to those in need in Gaza. There were QR-Codes put up everywhere through which people could donate money for the cause. All the bands addressed the issue at some point in their sets; some had a whole speech prepared while others kept it more casual. All the statements were followed by loud approval from the crowd. Gigs in general tend to bring people together, standing in a crowd, where everyone supports the same cause (and such an important one at that), sparked a whole other feeling of community and made the night even more special.

The first band to take the stage was MDR. This was my time hearing them and I have to say, they didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed their sound, which is heavily guitar-based. Although the crowd at this point consisted of only a couple of people, the vibe was really relaxed, and all the heads were moving along to the music. I enjoyed their set a lot, which made me check them out afterwards. They haven’t put out much until now but,nonetheless, I am certain we well be hearing great things from this Cork-based band. I can’t wait for it.

Photo Credits: Cherry Rock Magazine

After a quick break, which was perfect for a smoke and another pint, Therapy Horse started their set. The room got smokier and darker, and the music rougher. The atmosphere changed between ominous sounds and electronic distortions. All that accompanied by Emily’s vocals, which gave the impression of an actual story being told. I walked out into the bar area and felt more like I had just experienced some sort of religious ritual than a gig. It was – as expected – unreal.

Photo Credits: Cherry Rock Magazine

Saol was the next act on the list. Zoë Gough really took another 360 on the overall mood in the small venue. The tunes were way more uplifting and lighter, yet they still felt well-constructed and had a clear base to them. The contrast to the daker feeling of Therapy Horse gave the whole thing a fresh feel to it, a welcome change in moods.

Photo Credits: Cherry Rock Magazine

The final act of the night was Runner. Sonically they tied the night together very well. The room had filled up over the course of the night, and you could tell the crowd was excited for the last half hour of the event. And Runner did deliver. Ther nostalgic sound really hit the sweet spot for me, with choruses just intense enough to shake out the busy day in Dublin we had up until that point.

Photo Credits: Cherry Rock Magazine

After Runner left the stage, the crowd slowly but surely made their way upstairs. We were listening to one of the guitar-cover-guys that usually take the small outside stage an had another pint. Later, we went inside to check out the Indie-DJ set. Although the crowd was far smaller than the one outside, we had the best time. We stayed until closing, which meant our last pint was consumed in a badly structured plastic up, because we were planning on going straight to airport. I really have to say I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off back to Germany.

Thank you to Spitball Management & Promotions for organising such an important event. 

Free Palestine.